Greece’s interim coalition government pledged Wednesday to create 150,000 new jobs in the first quarter of 2012 and boost welfare programs, seeking to alleviate the effects of an acute financial crisis that has sent unemployment soaring amid a deep recession. Prime Minister Lucas Papademos said the Orthodox Church of Greece and local authorities would be involved in the twin effort, set to cost nearly €900 million ($1.17 billion). “The crisis and unemployment have hurt thousands of families that are undergoing sore trials, particularly at this time of year,” Papademos said after a cabinet meeting attended by Church leader Archbishop Hieronymos.

AP